'Addiction' is a word that usually refers to drugs. Sometimes it's called 'dependence' but there is a difference in the meanings of these words.

When someone first starts to use drugs, it is called substance abuse. We say someone is addicted to drugs when they have no control over whether they want to use the drug or not. That person feels that they HAVE to have that drug.

But people can be addicted to a whole variety of things which are not usually labelled as 'drugs'.

1 Physical addiction is when a person's body becomes dependent on something.

After a while that person's body craves more and more of whatever it is, so they are able to feel OK. Trying to give up can make that person suffer withdrawal symptoms which can last for quite a long time, but slowly get less as the body gets used to doing without.

These withdrawal symptoms can feel like a really bad dose of flu and make a person feel so sick and depressed that they want to go back to whatever they were taking to feel OK again. It is hard to give up.

2 Psychological addiction is when someone craves something which will change their mood or feelings.

They may not get physical withdrawal symptoms, but they may feel lonely, depressed or anxious if they can't get the thing that they desire.

compulsive behaviours (compulsive means that they feel they have to do it to feel better about themselves).

Compulsive behaviours can include:

eating disorders, like bingeing on food and then making themselves vomit, or

compulsive exercise, where they are constantly exercising to make themselves feel good, but are really harming their bodies (yes, professional athletes need to train a lot to keep their bodies ready to compete, but they are following fitness programs which include food, exercise and sports psychology, based on their sport and themselves).

Giving up an addiction is not easy. There are organisations that can help. Someone giving up will need to make a plan on what they will do and when.

It is important that people in the family know and can be ready to help by being patient and supporting that person while their body and mind cope with withdrawal from the drug or behaviour. It may take several tries before that person can start to feel that they have beaten their addiction, but that's what being a family or a friend is about, isn't it? - being there and caring for those you love whatever happens.

Don't tell me what to do!You make bad choices too!Don't tell me what to think!Your own ideas stink!Don't tell me what to wear!Look at your clothes and hair!Don't tell me what to say!We don't talk like that today!Don't tell me how to be!No-one's the boss of me!

So, why do I think it's coolTo let drugs make me a fool?

BH

We've provided this information to help you to understand important things about staying healthy and happy. However, if you feel sick or unhappy, it is important to tell your mum or dad, a teacher or another grown-up.